CDC Officials Just Released This Specific Monkeypox Warning — Eat This Not That

No Comments

Photo of author

By Ghuman

Introduction

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a warning about the potential spread of monkeypox. Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox, but much less severe. It is spread through contact with infected animals, such as rodents, and can be spread to humans through contact with an infected animal’s blood, body fluids, or lesions. The CDC is warning people to avoid contact with animals that may be infected with monkeypox, and to take precautions when handling any animal that could potentially be infected. Additionally, the CDC is recommending that people avoid eating certain foods that could potentially be contaminated with monkeypox. This article will provide information on what foods to avoid and what foods are safe to eat.

CDC Officials Just Released This Specific Monkeypox Warning — Eat This Not That

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a warning about the potential for monkeypox to spread in the United States. Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that is similar to smallpox, but much less severe. It is spread through contact with infected animals or humans, and can cause a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

The CDC is urging people to take precautions to avoid getting infected with monkeypox. This includes avoiding contact with wild animals, especially rodents, and not eating or handling any animals that may be infected. People should also avoid contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox.

The CDC also recommends that people who have been exposed to monkeypox should get vaccinated. The vaccine is available for people who have been exposed to the virus, and it can help prevent the disease from spreading. People who have been vaccinated should also take extra precautions to avoid contact with infected animals or humans.

The CDC also recommends that people who have been exposed to monkeypox should take extra precautions when it comes to food. People should avoid eating any food that may have been contaminated with the virus, such as raw or undercooked meat, eggs, or dairy products. People should also avoid eating any food that has been handled by someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox.

The CDC is also urging people to practice good hygiene to help prevent the spread of monkeypox. This includes washing hands often with soap and water, and avoiding contact with people who are sick. People should also avoid sharing items such as towels, bedding, or clothing with someone who has been diagnosed with monkeypox.

The CDC is also reminding people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of monkeypox. These include a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.

By following the CDC’s recommendations, you can help protect yourself and others from the spread of monkeypox. Remember to avoid contact with wild animals, get vaccinated if you have been exposed, and practice good hygiene to help prevent the spread of the virus.

On Monday, officials advised that monkeypox is spreading primarily in a particular group worldwide and advised its members to be on the lookout for symptoms. However, they said that anyone is susceptible to developing monkeypox but that the disease is not as contagious as COVID. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

two male friends opening up about mental health
Shutterstock

On Monday, the CDC warned gay and bisexual men that “a notable fraction of cases” of monkeypox are appearing in the community around the world. The agency warned people to be on the lookout for symptoms.

A CDC official emphasized that anyone is susceptible to monkeypox, regardless of their sexual orientation. “Some groups may have a greater chance of exposure right now, but by no means is the current risk of exposure to monkeypox exclusively to the gay and bisexual community in the US,” said Dr. John Brooks, chief medical officer for the CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. “Anyone, anyone, can develop [and] spread monkeypox infection, but … many of those affected in the current global outbreak identified as gay and bisexual men.”

“We want to help people make the best informed decisions to protect their health and the health of their community from monkeypox,” Brooks said.

As of Monday, there is one suspected case of monkeypox in the U.S., and four more are suspected. About 200 cases of monkeypox have been detected globally.

Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted disease. It can spread through large respiratory droplets, but contact has to be prolonged for that to happen. It can be transmitted through intimate contact with someone who has a rash, and through infected bedding. 

“Anyone can spread monkeypox [from] contact with body fluid or monkeypox sores or respiratory droplets when close to someone,” said Brooks.

Brooks advised people and their doctors to be aware of potential monkeypox symptoms, particularly lesions that can be confused with other conditions. “Anyone with a rash or lesion around or involving their genitals, their anus or any other place that they have not seen it before, should be fully evaluated, both for that rash but particularly for sexually transmitted infection and other illnesses that can cause rash,” said Brooks.

The symptoms of monkeypox include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Exhaustion and muscle aches
  • A rash on the face or body that turn into raised bumps which become blisters

People with monkeypox are considered most infectious while they have a rash. The incubation period can be seven to 14 days, the CDC says. The disease can last two to four weeks, and most people recover without treatments. A person with monkeypox can be contagious from one day before they develop a rash to 21 days after symptoms appear.

Officials say the general risk of catching monkeypox is low and that it’s not as contagious as COVID. “I don’t think that there’s a great risk to the general community from monkeypox right now in the United States,” said Dr. Jennifer McQuiston, a veterinarian and deputy director of the CDC’s Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology. “I think that we need to pay close attention to the communities in which this might be circulating so that we can communicate effectively with them and help bring this outbreak under control.” 

“This is not COVID,” she added. “Respiratory spread is not the predominant worry. It is contact, and intimate contact, in the current outbreak setting and population. And that’s really what we want to emphasize.”

And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.

Michael Martin

Michael Martin is a New York City-based writer and editor whose health and lifestyle content has also been published on Beachbody and Openfit. A contributing writer for Eat This, Not That!, he has also been published in New York, Architectural Digest, Interview, and many others. Read more

Leave a Reply